Auditor calls for proactive plans to avoid shortfall

The committee brings a fresh perspective to budget talks, the auditor said.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County Auditor Michael Sciortino may convene the county audit committee soon to discuss the county's looming $9 million general fund budget deficit and to give input on the appointment of a new chief deputy auditor.
Sciortino said eliminating next year's projected shortfall will require all department heads to be proactive in finding ways to reduce costs. He said among the audit committee members are several financial experts from the private sector, and their input brings a fresh perspective to the county's financial situation that is invaluable.
Audit committee members are Sciortino; county Commissioner Anthony Traficanti; county Prosecutor Paul Gains; Larry Fauver, president of the Greater Youngstown AFL/CIO; Frank Hierro, regional president of Sky Bank; Betty Jo Licata, dean of Youngstown State University's college of business; and Atty. Lance Morrison.
Budget hearings for county department heads will begin in December, and county officials need some ideas to manage the budget, he said.
Budget hearings are a time when various county department heads make budget requests for 2006.
Budget projections
Last week, Sciortino projected the county could face a $9 million deficit of the general fund in 2006.
General fund revenues in 2006 are expected to be about $42.3 million. Maintaining current spending levels in 2006 will total $51.9 million in expenditures, the auditor projected.
Two 1/2-percent sales tax issues generate about $28 million, but $3.8 million of that must be used in 2006 and 2007 to repay a $7.3 million loan needed for jail operations.
The county borrowed the money against anticipated revenue from the 1/2 percent sales tax passed in the spring, which the county began collecting Oct. 1.
Sciortino projects a carry-over balance of $200,000 to $300,000 from 2005. By comparison, a general fund deficit was averted in 2005 with a $4 million carry-over from 2004 and $7.3 million borrowed for jail operations.
Sciortino said the collective education, experience and business savvy of audit committee members will be crucial for giving him opinions about the selection of a new chief deputy auditor.
Sciortino must appoint a new deputy auditor to replace Mariann O'Halloran, who resigned to accept the position of deputy director of administrative services for Mahoning County Job and Family Services.